Engineering staff from Wingecarribee Council have been " read the riot act " over a series of expensive and embarrassing cost over runs, and other problems on southern highlands works projects.

In a report which goes to council this evening ( wed ) , General Manager Jason Gordon outlines how he brought in consultants for a performance review, after a lack of response from staff over a number of issues.

Mr Gordon says he was particularly concerned at the failure of staff to report to senior executives,, including himself, about problems which were un-folding with various projects.

On the upgrade of Douglas Road at Moss Vale the cost of the project blew out by more than half a million dollars after a series of issues, including problems with ground conditions  which went un-detected during initial investigations.

The cost of improvements to Mt Broughton Road at Werai, went $100,000 over estimates, and the work is still not complete.

On the upgrade of the Clarence Street car park, the cost of the work was $94,000 over the budget allocation.

The cost of constructing a new turning and parking area in Railway Parade near Oxley College at Burradoo, is likely to be more than $30,000 over the original estimate.

Council will be told tonight the project had to be re-designed after it was realised the slope, or batter, from the parking area extended into the Wingecarribee River.